Here are a few fall decorating ideas that will add bright colors to your cards and paper crafts.
Originally I did not have a plan for these background papers. These ink pads were in the clearance bin at the craft store and I decided to give them a try.
You might see them again in a spring post as that is what they originally reminded me of when I stamped these papers. Now they are my fall decorating background.
After stamping plain printer paper with the inks I sprayed the images with water and laid another sheet of paper over the wet ink. The result when I pulled them apart is this softer pastel print shown below that is perfect to use for layering bolder colors over it.I like that the original floral image is lost in the process of the ink transferring to the second sheet of paper.This is my color palette for stenciling. I prefer the bolder colors to allow the leaves to stand out against the background colors.This metal tray came from a thrift store find. Actually, I found a few of them and use them regularly to clean my stencils. The shallow sides minimize the water splashing and the metal is easy to wipe clean with a baby wipe. I use a small brush to clean the paint from the edge of the stencils so they will lay flat for my next project.The leaves are stenciled with yellow paint first to create the impression of light shining from behind them. I use the remaining colors randomly around the edges.
After stenciling the desired pattern I went back and wiped the stencil with a damp paper towel to obtain a slight shadow effect.
There are many possibilities for this project. And once again it is an easy project for your little helpers to join in.
The finished sheet can be cut up to make Thanksgiving cards or seating name cards. Another fun project is to cover the papers with self-stick clear shelf liner paper and use the finished items as place mats. If you leave more space between the stenciled leaves you can cut them and make a leaf garland for your fall decorating.
I will cut various rectangles from the paper to make a few greeting cards.
The bolder floral prints are for a future project. Watch for that post in the spring.
I am taking a Thanksgiving break from posting to enjoy some vacation time with my family. Have a wonderful holiday and drop a comment if there are upcoming events you would like to have crafty ideas for.
